With record sales declining and bands making a bigger slice of their income from live performances, booking agents may well be the new talent scouts, taking over the traditional role of A&R men and women. Their opinions influence the country's top promoters and venue bookers. Coachella, the biggest grossing music festival in the world, is booked exclusively by Paul Tollett, the man behind Goldenvoice. In a new interview with Billboard Magazine he reveals the most influential booking agents in the world:

5. Dave Kaplan (The Agency Group)Clients include: The Black Keys, The Kills, Nicole Atkins, Black Lips
[Ed. note: We were unable to find a usable photo of Dave Kaplan but if you want to see all of these high-powered music agents getting "iced" c. 2010, click here.]